Myanmar’s military establishment Wednesday acknowledged the victory of the country’s democracy movement led by the Nobel Peace laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, raising hopes for a peaceful transfer of power after five decades of military domination. It is “very crucial that the government implements, for the pride of the country and the peaceful desire of people”, the results of Sunday’s elections, she said in the three letters sent Wednesday.
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At a news briefing later, White House deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes noted broad participation by Burma’s people and a commitment by its rulers to abide by the results. She added a number of “areas of intimidation” were noted.
Now she’s the nation’s leader.
The latest on landmark elections in Myanmar.
Senior NLD official U Win Htein confirmed that British Prime Minister David Cameron also called Aung San Suu Kyi to express his congratulations on the NLD’s landslide victory.
The message helps remove lingering concerns that the military, which has a large influence over the ruling party, may deny the NLD power, as it did after elections in 1990.
Honoring all voters of the country including the military personnel and families for orderly casting of votes, the statement praised and honored NLD for winning favorable result so far issued up to date.
Ms Suu Kyi is treading carefully before claiming victory.
This election was especially important given the fact that even after the formal end of military rule in Myanmar, the army continues to hold sway in politics. It remains unclear how the still powerful military will work with Suu Kyi, who has vowed to wield power despite being barred from the presidency. “Public trust can be won through correct deeds”.
But she said this time would be different.
Attention was riveted on what has been called the “magic number” for Suu Kyi’s party.
Mr Shwe Mann said on his official Facebook page that he had received the letter and plans to meet Ms Suu Kyi next week to discuss national reconcilation. The democracy figurehead has vowed to rule from “above the president”, indicating she will use a proxy to sidestep the bar on her reaching top office.
In an interview with the BBC, the democracy icon said her party would probably get around 75 percent of the contested seats, more than enough to form a government on its own.
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And though Indonesian President Joko Widodo has a considerable personal following of his own, he is ultimately beholden to Megawati Sukarnoputri, leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, a former president and daughter of the country’s founding father, Sukarno.
